The rooftop of the CODA building came alive with the shared enthusiasm of ISyE students and alumni embarking on a transformative journey together as mentors and mentees. They had signed up to participate in the ISyE MentIE program, a mentorship initiative inspired by the principles of Stephen R. Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. 

The MentIE program was initiated with 20 members of its advisory board, each mentoring three undergraduate students.  

Against the backdrop of downtown Atlanta, attendees enjoyed the spectacular view enhanced by the soft glow of string lights, adding a touch of magic to the evening. 

Rooted in the mission to forge meaningful connections, nurture professional growth, and guide students in making informed career choices, the MentIE program has burgeoned, boasting 79 mentors and 163 students – 141 first-year and 22 second-year participants. 

The format was as engaging as the setting, with a cocktail-style spread that encouraged students to move freely from table to table, mingling with alumni mentors.  

This dynamic setup facilitated one-on-one interactions, allowing students to ask questions, seek advice, and gain insights from professionals in their chosen field. 

Leading the MentIE program is Valarie McConico, the Program and Operations Manager for the Center for Academics, Success, & Equity (CASE), who shares her commitment to bringing structure and proactivity to the program.  

"For the first time, we have 40 confirmed mentoring alumni workshops. So, a lot of MentIEs who aren’t sure what they want to do can learn a wide variety of opportunities,” she said. 

Two active MentIE participants, Lorette Leone (IE, ‘25) and Anna Park (IE ‘25), echo diverse experiences within the program. 

Anna Park, a third year ISyE student, has played an instrumental role in the conception and flourishing success of the MentIE program. Since its inception, Anna has been an unwavering force as the Program Lead and Manager for the MentIE program, actively participating in the program's first and second phases, contributing significantly to its initiation and subsequent momentum 

"When you come from high school to college, you don’t know much about professionalism because it is a big jump, and we want to connect them with alumni to facilitate the academic and professionalism culture." 

As she looks towards her expected graduation in 2025, Anna Park stands as an inspiring figure, showcasing the transformative impact dedicated students can have on the academic and professional growth of their peers. 

Lorette Leone, an international student from Tanzania, is a dynamic presence at Georgia Tech, engaging in a range of academic and cultural activities. As a representative for the Georgia Tech Student Ambassadors and Secretary of the African Students' Association (ASA), she contributes to the campus community.  

Leone also serves as an ambassador for Industrial and Systems Engineering, promotes diversity as a member and Secretary of the National Society of Black Engineers and Black Industrial Engineers at Tech, and guides fellow students as an OMED Edge Mentor.  

She views Tech as a gateway to a versatile career, with the MentIE program being a pivotal recommendation from Dr. Myles.  

Leone shares, "I learned about Georgia Tech through a scholarship program at my high school in Singapore. As an international student from Tanzania, I see the opportunity to study analytical subjects at Tech as a pathway to a versatile career. The MentIE program specifically was recommended by Dr. Nicoly Myles, the Director of the Center for Academics, Success, and Equity (CASE)." 

ISyE's goal is to extend the MentIE program, supporting the professional advancement of participants while also providing the next generation of industrial engineers with the tools to make well-considered decisions about their careers. 

Author: Nat M. Esparza 

Alumni involvement is integral to the ISyE MentIEs program's success. Dr. Myles and Valarie McConico extend an invitation to alumni interested in contributing to the program's growth. For more information, please contact Dr. Myles here.